Greg,

Always plenty of ideas but some good photos of the plans with the details would help to bring those about.

However, most MK kits are designed around specific retracts that they produced themselves. There were several models though for the larger birds. The plans typically specify the retract that's shown and that "ought" to be used for the model. These are however all mechanical retracts and you could always use pneumatics instead or, nowadays, electrics! These last are extremely easy to setup and promise to offer a secure level of service - we hope!

I believe the Silent is designed around mains only - it should be fairly standard. You can probably use anything you like with a touch of modification if required. I'd wait and try the new E-Flite's which should be available before the end of June. If you want to be authentic, then you could source out the MK gear recommended.

David.